Last weekend, the US launched its first open attack on Venezuela, marking a new stage in its competition with China over South America's rich natural resources. The main goal is to control Venezuela's massive oil reserves in the Orinoco Belt, which holds over 300 billion barrels—about a fifth of the world's total. However, Venezuela's oil industry is old and damaged, making extraction costly and complex. Despite this, former US President Donald Trump promised to make money from these fossil fuels, risking a worse climate crisis. China currently buys more South American resources than the US, including oil, iron, soy, copper, and rare minerals vital for renewable energy and technology. China also leads in processing these minerals. The US government now aims to reduce dependence on China by expanding access to key minerals and cutting foreign rivals' influence in the region. This US military action aims to show power over Latin America. It has support from right-wing leaders like Argentina’s Javier Milei and Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa but faces strong criticism from Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, and Cuba. Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the strikes and increased military readiness at the Venezuelan border, warning that he is under US pressure. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a climate champion, also opposes US interference and has seen a boost in support after US trade threats. Experts warn that Washington's focus on securing minerals for military strength threatens climate efforts and regional democracy. South America stands at a crossroads: it can fuel a global shift to clean energy or become a battleground for 20th-century fossil fuel power games. The US push to control resources faces resistance and may reshape the future of this vital region.